Australia completed a dominant victory inside three days against the West Indies in the first Test in Barbados, winning by 159 runs after a stunning final session. Josh Hazlewood was the star, claiming 5 for 23 in a devastating spell that ripped through the West Indies batting lineup and sealed the match emphatically at Kensington Oval.
After wobbling early in the match, Australia found stability thanks to their lower-middle-order trio. Travis Head, Beau Webster, and Alex Carey all struck half-centuries in the second innings to help Australia post 310, setting the hosts a daunting target of 301 on a deteriorating pitch. Head’s 61 and Webster’s 63 were marked by confident stroke play, while Carey accelerated the innings with an explosive 50 off just 40 balls. Despite some resistance from the West Indies bowlers, including Shamar Joseph who once again impressed with a four-wicket haul, Australia’s lead proved far too steep.
The final session belonged to Hazlewood. After a wayward start, he returned with ruthless precision. He picked up four wickets in just 16 balls, starting with John Campbell and Brandon King off consecutive deliveries. Roston Chase and Keacy Carty soon followed, both undone by Hazlewood’s accuracy and movement off the seam. By the time he had completed his spell, the West Indies were reeling at 65 for 6.
Pat Cummins joined the demolition with a straight delivery that bowled Shai Hope, and a careless run-out removed Alzarri Joseph, who had been promoted in the order. Hazlewood returned to pick up his fifth, dismissing Jomel Warrican to make it 86 for 8 as extra time was added to the day.
Shamar Joseph provided a late spark, smashing 44 from 22 balls in an entertaining cameo, but he fell short of a half-century when he edged Nathan Lyon to slip. Lyon then ended the match three balls later, dismissing Jayden Seales with the first delivery of the final over.
It was a clinical performance from Australia, built on discipline and skill with both bat and ball. For the West Indies, despite flashes of brilliance with the ball, their batting frailties proved costly. The match ended well before the weekend, much to the disappointment of local organisers, with Australia firmly in control heading into the remainder of the series.
